Understanding Electrical Testers and Readings

How to Select and Use Electrical Testers for Electrical Wiring and Troubleshooting

Electrical Voltage TestersElectrical Question: I was updating a normal 110volt wall socket in my home and using a two prong electrical checker I discovered that by sticking one prong of the checker in the slot that the black wire is attached to and the other prong in the slot that the white wire is attached to, the 110 volt light on the checker lights up which of course is normal. But when I put one prong of the checker in the slot that the black wire is attached to and the other prong in the third hole where the ground wire is attached the 110volt light lights up. Is that normal?

Thanks for your help.

This electrical question came from: Donald, a Homeowner from Westlake Village, California.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Donald.

Testing Home Electrical Outlets

Application: Replacing a 120 Volt Receptacle Outlet.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best if wired by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and the number of outlets that will be replaced.
Precaution: Identify the outlet circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Installing additional outlet wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

Electrical Testers and Readings
Donald, yes your reading was normal. When testing electrical outlets with a two prong analog tester which produces a visual indication you will always get the same reading when checking from hot to neutral or hot to ground because the neutral and ground come from the same source at the main electrical panel.

Selecting and Using Electrical Testers

Understanding Electrical Testers

When working on home electrical wiring using voltage testers can play an important part in electrical safety. Electrical testers enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.Types of Electrical TestersUsing Electrical Testers

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